Maryland 4-H
Behavioral Expectations
A goal of the Maryland 4-H program is to provide opportunities for children and youth to build character.
Maryland 4-H supports the CHARACTER COUNTS!SM six pillars of character: TRUSTWORTHINESS,
RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, FAIRNESS, CARING AND CITIZENSHIP. In order to ensure that Maryland
4-H programs provide positive environments for all individuals to learn and grow, 4-H Volunteers agree to abide
by, model and enforce these expectations of behavior for 4-H Members and participants of Maryland 4-H
programs and activities:
(CHARACTER COUNTS! Is a service mark of the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition, a project of the Josephson Institute of Ethics.)
I will be trustworthy. I will be worthy of trust, honor and confidence. I will be a model of integrity by doing the
right thing even when the cost is high. I will be honest in all my activities. I will keep my commitments by
attending all sessions of the planned event. If I am not feeling well or have a schedule conflict, I will inform my
chaperon or a person in charge. I will be in the assigned area (e.g., club meeting room, building, dorm) at all
times. Maryland 4-H does not permit dishonesty by lying, cheating, deception or omission.
I will be respectful. I will show respect, courtesy, and consideration to everyone, including myself, other
program participants and those in authority. I will act and speak respectfully. I will treat program areas, lodging
areas, and transportation vehicles with respect. I will not use vulgar or abusive language or cause physical harm.
I will appreciate diversity in skill, gender, ethnicity and ability. Maryland 4-H does not tolerate statements or acts
of discrimination or prejudice.
I will be responsible. I will be responsible, accountable and self-disciplined in the pursuit of excellence. I will
live up to high expectations so I can be proud of my work and conduct. I will be on time to all program events. I
will be accountable by accepting responsibility for my choices and actions. I will abide by the established
program curfew. I will be responsible for any damage, theft or misconduct in which I participate.
I will be fair. I will be just, fair and open. I will participate in events fairly by following the rules, not taking
advantage of others and not asking for special exceptions.
I will be caring. I will be caring in my relationships with others. I will be kind and show compassion for others.
I will treat others the way I want to be treated. I will show appreciation for the efforts of others. I will help
members in my group to have a good experience by striving to include all participants.
I will be a good citizen. I will be a contributing and law-abiding citizen. I will be respectful to the
environment and contribute to the greater good. I will not use any illegal substances such as tobacco, alcohol
and drugs.
The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color,
sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.
Maryland 4-H
Behavioral Expectations
I.
Maryland 4-H expects volunteers and youth participating in programs to behave in an acceptable manner and in
accordance with the Maryland 4-H Behavioral Expectations outlined on the reverse side of this document. 4-H
participants who engage in unacceptable conduct, including the following behaviors, are subject to discipline.









Possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and/or illegal drugs.
Possession or use of weapons or dangerous materials.
Possession or use of tobacco products.
Misuse of prescription or nonprescription drugs.
Sexual activity.
Lying, cheating, misrepresenting project work or other unethical practices.
Unauthorized absence from program site.
Physical, verbal, emotional, or mental abuse of, or threats toward another person.
Theft, destruction, or abuse of property.
II.
A volunteer or participant in a 4-H program who engages in conduct (including the above behaviors) that, in the
discretion of the extension faculty, staff or UME volunteer in charge, may jeopardize the health or safety of the
participant or others, or the integrity of 4-H, will be dismissed immediately from the program (meeting, activity,
event, trip, camp, etc.). The participant’s parent or guardian will be responsible for providing transportation home
for a child if dismissed.
III.
Following a program, a participant and his/her parent or guardian will be notified in writing of the nature of any
unacceptable conduct for which sanctions (up to and including suspension from one or more 4-H programs or
dismissal from (4-H) are being considered. In such cases:
IV.

The extension faculty or staff member with overall responsibility for the program will set up a meeting to hear the 4-H
member. The 4-H member’s parent or guardian will be permitted to be present at such time. At the discretion of
UME or at the request of the 4-H participant, a committee may be appointed by UME to review the matter.

Following the meeting, the 4-H participant and his or her parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the outcome of
the meeting and any sanction(s) to be imposed.

Sanctions may be appealed in writing within seven (7) days after receiving notice of the decision, to the County/City
Extension Director (CED). In the event that the extension faculty in charge also serves as the CED, the appeal will
be made to the Regional Extension Director (RED).

The 4-H participant and his/her parent or guardian will be notified in writing of the decision of the CED (or RED).
The decision of the CED (or RED) may be appealed in writing to the State 4-H Leader within seven (7) days after
receiving notice of the decision. The decision of the State 4-H Leader will be final.
4-H Parents and Volunteers violating the Maryland 4-H Behavioral Expectations face immediate termination of their
UME Volunteer Appointment (if applicable) and exclusion from any and all Maryland 4-H Programs and Activities,
including those activities in which their children are participants. The safety, security, and well-being of participants
in the Maryland 4-H Program takes precedence over all other concerns.
“I HAVE READ THE MARYLAND 4-H BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS AND THE MARYLAND 4-H DISCIPLINARY
POLICY AND PROCEDURES. I AM AWARE THAT MY ACTIONS AND DECISIONS AFFECT ME AND OTHERS AND
MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF PRIVILEGES DURING 4-H PROGRAMS, AND FOR FUTURE PROGRAMS. I WILL
ACCEPT THE APPROPRIATE AND LOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF MY ACTIONS, AS DETERMINED BY
MARYLAND 4-H.”
Volunteer Signature _____________________________________________________________________ Date __________________________
Volunteer Printed Name __________________________________________________________________
The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color,
sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.